Wednesday, 18 November 2015

Expanded Genealogy

Reviewing the work we started in September, we expanded our knowledge of genealogy further to help alongside our current project.

We were first introduced to genealogical method, where it was broken down for us: method is a way of going/doing the path you follow, and genealogy is study and knowledge of of family history; in this scenario, a genealogist examines the pre-conceived, and questions the phenomenon that "we tend to feel is without history". Having "no history" is without goodness, badness/evil, punishment, madness and sexuality, which all have impacted history at various times in different circumstances.

Genealogy is subjective, which means you are strongly present in the study; Michel Foucault coined the term "subjectification". This means that factors within society make us subjects and shape us into what we are, whether it is our sexuality, where we work or study. However, objectivity doesn't allow involvement for a researcher, depending on the situation. Foucault asks "what right have [historians] to impose their tastes and preferences when they seek to determine what actually occurred in the past?" This is a valid point, as personal preference can sway peoples views and knowledge of history- an example being the secret history of female artists.

It also links in the clip we were shown in class; many people are quick to jump to conclusions without knowing or wanting to find out the wider image of a scenario. From one angle the skinhead running towards the man may seem threatening, even more so due to the connotations associated with the skinhead culture. Though once you realise he was saving the older man's life , you learn the true events, which is what the Guardian is trying to say about their company; they will always uncover the truth amidst assumptions and lies.


Genealogy also claims no eternal truth; Foucault once again states that "purpose of history, guided by genealogy, is not to discover the roots of our identity, but to commit itself to its dissipation". This means that history should be recorded before it is lost to memory, and not clouded by judgment and misremembered facts.

For the next part- we were shown a series of clips and asked how they began, where is the setting, and what is the tone; in The Simpsons introduction, it establishes the town and main characters of the shows by showing them individually in their own environment, and in turn showcasing their personalities. The light hearted tone is achieved through the theme tune, colours and general direction of its subject matter.


The Star Wars opening crawl brings the audience up to speed with the establishing action of the first scene, without having to show the backstory of previous events. Its name and setting amongst the stars immediately lets the viewer know that this film is established in the future of space. Yet the establishing text of "In a galaxy far far away..." brings to mind a fairy tale, letting the viewer know that this film isn't placed within reality, but in a completely fictional setting. This is all reflected within the music as well; it brings a sense of adventure and fantasy, linking in with the tone of the general film. It is often said film is 60% sound, which can often dictate how an audience feels during a specific scene.


What I have learnt from this seminar is that a combination of features within film or TV help create tone and setting, allowing the audience to feel a certain way. This links in with design as well, where shape, colour, text and layout can illustrate tone as well; if I take this into consideration when conceiving a design, it will make the overall piece successful in what it is trying to express.


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